How to Be a Better Kayaker
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 เม.ย. 2022
- This week we take a look at something so many of us do...especially when we are nervous. If you are wondering how to be a better kayaker, this video should help. Lots of paddlers learn the basics and how to paddle, but fail to put there knowledge into motion. They end up staying on the defensive while on the river. They revert to trying to remain vertical with the body and flat with the kayak at all times. There is nothing that will make your day harder on the river than paddling "flat". Simply put, the more dynamic your paddling is, the more success you will have on the water. We see some examples of paddling flat, some examples of dynamic paddling and a sure fire way to help get away from paddling flat!
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Cool video. I think, though, that using the term "flat" as the antithesis of "dynamic" is problematic. There are many times during dynamic paddling when keeping the hull at a commensurate angle to the water (i.e. "flat") is necessary/optimal. I fully agree that if paddler's aren't being active, then they are at the whims of the water. However dynamic edge control includes not only the ability to crank on a high edge, but also the awareness of holding the core muscles active while keeping the hull neutral.
Ultimately, I guess it's it's just semantics. Anyway, love your content and look forward to the next one!
I agree Mathew! I thought about that a bit while making the video. I have been hearing the term "paddling flat" as a negative term for about year and a half now. I almost discussed the times you may need to keep that boat neutral. However, for the sake of those that will likely benefit from this video, I just left that part out for another day hoping they will lock onto the idea of throwing those edges and their body weight around instead of staying stiff. It seems way more difficult to get folks to really trust their edging and body lean than it does to go back after they are comfortable there and introduce neutral hull techniques like sliding etc... and, It seems, basically nearly every minute of play boating! Thanks for the input as always! Nice to hear from the pros! Almost sounds like a video idea for MBC! Love your content! Most undervalued channel on TH-cam!!! Check him out Folks!!!
@@RiverKingsKayak that is cool to hear. Yes, I agree. As you say, better to push folks to get their edges working and then introduce some subtlety as they progress, than to never progress beyond rigid, passive paddling.
Wow! That's a serious compliment. Thank you very much.
Hi folks, I find this to be a very interesting discussion. As a beginner, I always tried to keep my boat flat to feel safe (and I did not), and with some experience, I prefer to have always one edge slightly down. Indeed, this makes me feel more safe, which can also have to do with the boat shape itself. Anyhow, in the meantime I can describe three stages of coordination in a kayak, which I feel are performed from a beginner to a more experienced kayaker. First, you try to move your paddle to bring the boat where you want to be (1st paddle stage). Then you begin to steer your hull and set it up in relation to the current to come where you need to be. Of course, you still use your paddle, but you need less of it (2nd boat stage). And third, you move your body and use the gravity to be translated to the boat and do the thing you need to find your line (3. body stage). I feel, when you are able to steer with your body, it feels naturally to bring your weight on one of your hip/sit bones while you lift the opposite knee. At the same time you put your paddle and you create a kind of stable foundation of three anchor points, whereas the hip is behind the paddle and the knee.
I don't know if this makes sense to you, just let me know, and please keep in mind, I am talking about inner pictures of what I experience while developing my kayaking, there is no dogma at all… I am just curious on what you think about it? Cheers, Martin.
@@MrOceanmind thanks for the input. I think you've described a journey that lots (all?) of paddlers go through! Your analysis of the "body" stage is, I think, accurate; certainly that idea of feeling anchored via contact points of the boat and paddle seems correct to me intuitively.
@@MatthewBrookKayaking thank you so much, Matthew, this sharing here and on your channels is so valuable for me!
Lol, Pete I'm laughing (with I hope) Austin. That was funny, you had the music going nice the young guys went right in, perfect, then Austin hit the water. We've all done it at one time or another.
Right on Jailen! Im sure @SideTrailAdventures is still laughing to!
Best kayak video I viewed. Thank you
Thanks Penunka!
At 32 years old I just picked up my first white water kayak. Your videos are an inspiration, I'm still smoking cigarettes so not looking forward to rolls but about to go learn them and wet exits next time out, but every time I watch one of your vids it gives me confidence. Thanks man.
Right on Jay!! Get after it!! So much fun!
Haven't been in a kayak since I was about 12 (it's been awhile) and I have to say - you are one of the best field coaches/situational coaches I've ever watched work. Watch the run, give tips, go nuts when they get it right the next time, run and help when they don't. Please keep making videos. You make me motivated to drop 3k on a kayak in a landlocked state. 😂
Thanks a ton Joel!! Will do! do it!
The “best hair in the kayak game” creases me up every time I hear it lol! Paddling the old mad 😂😂
Comedy gold!
LOL
Another informative/inspirational video. Thanks for your consistency!
Thanks Govan!! I need to get you out there soon!
I just discovered your channel. I just started regular kayaking (& kayak fishing). I LOVE rivers, but I've never watched anything with white water kayaking. Seeing your videos I can say they are by far the coolest videos I have ever seen. No joke! You guys are amazing and your videos are so well done!! I'm so excited to find your channels, what an adventure !!! 🤩❤
Thank you for sharing!!
Right on Lace and Camo! Thank you for the kind words! Whitewater kayaking is like a paddling through a waterpark...sooo much fun!
Incredibly helpful video, and inspiration for this paddler!
Thanks Mirko!
Got the whole crew shredding it up! cool to see how much they've all grown!
Thanks Wes!!!
Awesome stuff Pete. The boys are really coming along.
thanks Gatpig!!
Excellent video! As a guy who will never run a river like the one in this clip, i still find it very interesting to watch and i try to soak up the tips and tricks anyways. I have a group of friends and we go out on kayak trips a few times a year in northern Sweden, but on mostly calm rivers over the course of a few days. Just to get out and reflect on life.
Thank you for the great content over the years!
Thanks PuPPaS! Sometimes that calm river is all it takes!!!
Even on flat water, it's still loads of fun to eddy in and out. Keep practicing it!
@@scottgruhn3332 Thx bud =) We are actually going out this weekend, four kayaks, 50km trip. Spring has arived and we are hoping to get some good speed on the river =)
Highly appreciated and thank you for your wise moderation and inspiring thoughts about this fascinating sport, mate!
Thanks AISI!
Most excellent. I'm inspired. I can't wait to try this section in the new (to me) Burn!
Right on USR!! thanks!
Great stuff Pete... right where I'm at!!!
Thanks Mark!!
Peter I just started kayaking in this summer first time in my life. And I love it. But I want to take the course from you. For white water kayaking. I love your videos and I am learning so much from your videos. You are doing great job.
Right on Arif! I actually dont offer formal instruction...I just paddle with friends and help out where I can. If you want to schedule formal instruction, check out Ace Kayaking School in TN. They are top notch.
Awesome video of what to do, and what not to do! I think documenting yourself you can see where to improve, so no shame! I really like the graphics at the end cool edit. Cheers
And that is the goal! Not only do they get to see themselves to improve, but tons of other paddlers can identify with and learn from those moments as well. We used to watch game films when I played soccer...it helps a ton!!
Thanks for the lesson. I'm learning, will think about it in the ocean riding micro waves.
Right on dekzan!
Every time you swoop into an eddy that cleanly, it makes me regret that I’m a packrafter. Every time you recover one of those god awful flooded hard shells, I’m reminded why packrafts are so great 😄
For sure Keith!
Great video Pete!
Thanks Halie!
Great tips I`m gonna try them next week on the river. Maybe you will make some logjams tutorial?
Right on RaR! Good idea! Thanks!
I enjoy your videos.
Thanks Kevin!!
Another great video!!
Thanks Pak!!
River!Like it~that is topr ecording.🖐
thanks prohodaction
Needed this!!!!!
Right on Courtney!!
Nice work Austin
for sure Josh!
P5 is KILLIN’ IT!!!
Thanks AEaM!! #prouddad!
@@RiverKingsKayak As you should be!
Thnx again for the great videos! I have learned so much from watching them this last year. I am so hoping I can get on the waters in NC this spring, and maybe late in the summer.
Hey man! Funny video! It was like remember my first classes and runs!
Too cool! Thanks Edward!
@@RiverKingsKayak where you from bro? I'm looking for some rivers to run it!
@@hipernetGraham, NC
@@RiverKingsKayak nice bro, are there some campings next to some river around there to sleep in my tent for a weekend?
Good stuff!
Thanks JT!
pete, i think it is time to let p5, learn from someone else. no bias, no bs. a different pov means options in your mind. i learned plastering from different bosses. everybody does the same thing a little bit different than you do. i took the best of all my bosses, added it to what i had learned. and i think i am better because of that. jmo great video pete thanks for taking us with you.
I have already talked about this with a few friends that instruct. Would be good for him to see things from other points of view and skillsets/instructorships. I may do some concentrated weekend clinics wherein we both partake of the clinic, but I will be there to film/observe. Not sure it will happen soon, but it would be fun!
If you ever wanna throw him in a rock star at NOC hole hit me up!
@@RiverKingsKayak well maybe its because your slow turning out videos, as to why im always a step behind. lol justkidding,keep up the great things you do for other people, and keep filming it pete
@@curtissettles2641 😁 thanks brother! Will do!
Love these videos. Also got to ask, how does the stomper do at surfing? Going to try and surf my first wave/hole this week and just wanting to know what to expect. I have a stomper 90.
The stomper is a great surfing creeker! Maybe the best true creeker at surfing?
good one !! :) work in the Duffek stroke when you can please, Pete.
Thanks Will! Was talking about that last weekend!
This is so awesome! I’m a kayaker and I live in Hillsborough. Why am I just finding out about River Kings!?
Welcome aboard Shane!!! The secret is out now!
8:11 "dude, what happened to your legs?"😆
Lol!
where is this????????? looks like a ton or fun............. scare............... and exercise......... glade you were there to give instructions
Lower Haw River, NC. From NC 64 to Jordan Lake.
@RiverKingsKayak OMG.... I suppose I need a"crash course" and a waiver of responsibility before joining this group...
I fish in my fishing kayak....
This is as unrelated to me fishing as bingo is to basketball. They are both usually played in auditoriums, eh?😉😉😁 Otherwise.. ....
@RiverKingsKayak if I ever get up that way with a bubble suit and transformers protective,- floatation gear, I will Def .. DEFF! .. look you up.
Crash course.... pun intended😆😉
Ah I thought it was just me: my kayaking was coming along nicely until I had a bad swim. Now I feel like I'm at square one and like I'm going to capsize on the slightest bit of white water.
Right on El! That can happen! Here is a video where I talk about that sort of thing... th-cam.com/video/HwWPf50sgQ0/w-d-xo.html
World Famous Mike Aronoff is my mentor and he says to paddle on edge all the time. Get comfortable and stay there. “Dip tha lip!!”
Right on
Great video with lots of great info! I'm just about to start WW kayaking, but I have a fair amount of sea kayaking experience. Edging is normal for me, because I can't turn my 16.5 foot WS Tsunami quickly without doing it, and edging and bracing into swells and breaking waves is necessary to avoid capsizing. Still working on my roll though lol. Supposed to be looking at a Dagger RPM Max tomorrow, so if I get it I hope to be on the river soon.
BTW, any updates on how your cheap drysuit is working out?
Right on Wayne!! Thank you and you are going to love it!!
@@RiverKingsKayak So, I went to look at the Dagger RPM Max, and came home with both that and a Jackson Kayak Superhero! Also got a fiberglass Werner Powerhouse paddle! And I bought all of it for under $400!!! Today was a good day 😁
@@waynefatguyinakayak7408 dang son!!!!!! Crushed it!!
Many sea kayaks turn better if you lean to the outside of the turn, in white water boats edging the boat to the inside prevents the outside edges from catching water and flipping you.
As a packrafter, I worry that I'm going to have such a "flat" paddling style when I make the switch to a hardshell. PRs have great primary stability, but lose it when you go too high on the tube "edge." I almost feel like I'm in a big training wheel, as I only have to edge hard when eddying out into a strong current. Otherwise, I can float pretty much anywhere I want without having to engage any edges. Looking forward to watching more of your vids, RK!
Right on NYCP! Those packafts are so fun though! But yes you are right. Have you seen our big packrafting trip from a few years ago?
@@RiverKingsKayak I have not! I'm going to take a look right now. I'd love to see your thoughts on it. I'll be trying a hardshell this weekend, so no flat boating!!
@@KCCNYwhitewater th-cam.com/video/fYxasTrieyU/w-d-xo.html
Chris Robinson here, - awesome vids love the content and education . novice rider here thinking of getting a kayak soon along with my band (stationed out of fayetteville) where do u guys meet up at and how would i get to ride a trip with y'all (hypothetically speaking, provided i was equipped and ready to kayak 🤓)
We dont have a formal format for this. We paddle with a ton of folks and just kind of plan things on the fly. You are not too far away...when you have your gear together, give me a shout!
@@RiverKingsKayak okay sounds good thanks!! 👍
Excellent video..I can catch eddies etc and becoming more confident in white water...The only problem is I cant roll...and dont get much opportunity to learn...
Right on Richard! The roll is king!!! You will never regret spending that time to get it dialed in! Where do you live?
@@RiverKingsKayak I live in Tasmania mate...great kayaking here...Love your channel...
Pay someone to teach you to roll in a pool or lake. It's so worth it, gives you much more confidence! Then practice that in rivers - It's very different when you're bouncing around, especially if your helmet's bouncing on the bottom. Worth it!!!
@@scottgruhn3332 Yes mate...I think thats the way to go....Would you say its not possible to teach yourself to roll....even by starting with a paddle float to master the hip flick first?,,,,Cheers
Positive energy!!! Music track 20:15 please?
Jakarta by Bonsaye
Great video! Unfortunately as usual when I cast from my phone to my Xbox I can't respond in the live chat, keyboard comes up then goes right back down X3 Oh well. As fun as ww looks, it's something I probably won't be able to attempt as I'm not a very good swimmer and would probably panic in situations where panicking is the last thing you can do lol
Thanks Jason! The PFD will keep up on top of the water (at least mostly lol!). Give it a shot!
Howdy. I watched the first two minutes of the video, and I'm wondering whether it's worth watching the whole thing? I've been kayaking for two years, and I've run Go Left and Gorilla on the Green. I've also been raft guiding for three years. I'm looking to learn more about kayaking from a technical perspective; I'm a ski instructor, and I think kayaking is lacking in the breakdowns of technique and physics that skiing has developed. Is this video more geared towards beginner paddlers, or would I benefit from watching it? And if it's more for beginners, can you recommend other videos to watch? Thanks!
Hard to say...if you are cleaning the narrows, then you may be past this video...if you are just surviving the narrows, then you may get something from it.
I’m from Southwestern PA just getting into white water Kayaking do you know the best place to learn from??
try to find a club or paddling group near you. Most are more than accommodating to those looking to get into the sport. Finding that paddling core that will show you the ropes is the best way for sure.
@@RiverKingsKayak I will thank I’m from Pittsburgh PA
Eddy king!
He he!!
That was great I can't wait to catch some eddies
Thanks Erica!! Eddy catching is addictive!
It's a blast, the stab of the paddle and the lean! On slow, flat water, I do that technique even when there aren't eddies to catch!
What did you guys do with the carnage from that guy's shin ?!?
He was fine...he touched it up when he got home.
Is there any reason you are not using a tow tether to rescue these boats? It seems it would be a lot easier if you did. Thanks!
Good question Dylan! I always have the tether. I always try not to use it if possible. The second you connect yourself to that other boat, you are increasing your on water risk by multiple vectors. When the situation allows, or demands, I will hookbup.hook-up. At minute mark 12:25 in this video, I use the tether to get Bonnie's boat to her...it is just situationally dependant. Hope that helps!
@@RiverKingsKayak Thank you, this makes a lot of sense.
Hi Peter where do I go for kayaking learning lessons?
Where do you live?
@@RiverKingsKayak I live in Cleveland ohio. Thanks for replying me. I love your videos and I watch them everyday.
Yes haw
What's the purpose of the swimmer stickers?
The River King Swim Team is the most prestigious paddling order on the planet...the only way to become a member is to swim on camera...LOL
It is to show that we all swim!! If you suffer the on-camera swim, you are inducted into the family...turning a negative into a positive!
Why no sit-on-tops? Is this water too aggressive for that type of kayak?
Sot's are just not my favorite for a variety of reasons. However, I should include some on the channel. Thanks for the suggestion!!
Hard to use the knees to maneuver a sit-on-top, and rolling doesn't work. I'm biased because I paddle in Alaska, where the water is cold, and that spray deck /skirt is so helpful!
i start my beginners with the goal of hitting an eddy behind a rock to within 1/4" of the rock, not hitting the rock but holding 1/4" distance. every paddler should do time in a squirt boat to get rid of many bad habits, like always wanting the boat to be level, flat while going forward, facing downstream. first day i explain that is not the object. also, that eddies are your brakes!
those big round fat boats do not help in learning although they do seem to make it easier to get down but in my experience do not teach the paddler new skills quickly. they kind of detune the boat.
there is run south of here, the taos box. talk about an eddie teacher. seems like we had four miles of class 4-5, some rapids require catching eddies to be set for the next drop. i was ready for the truck.
so, as i always say "surf the c's, paddle the vees" capt. j salida, co.
also, i didn't see anyone using duffek strokes? i teach that early for eddy turns with precise control.
Right on john!
Yee "haw"
Wish I could 👍🏻it more than once.
Thanks Fractured Hipster!
"Hall river" and "local run" really don't say where this is?
"Haw" river. Lower Haw to be exact. www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2706/main
Maybe to help teach.. don’t shame people for swimming…
“(Bell noise) SWIMMER!” If I were in your group I would be terrified to make a mistake … I’m not a huge fan of humiliating people as they learn… but hey …
Hey Dane! I think you have missed the point of the bell. The idea behind it is to show the viewers that everybody swims. There is a stigma to swimming and a lot of folks try to hide it. I am trying to show that we are all in this together and if you are learning kayaking, you will be taking some swims. We actually have a club called the River King Swim Team. The only way to get in is to have had the misfortune of swimming on one of my videos. You even get a coveted Swimmer Bell sticker to place on your helmet. In fact, this week's video that comes out on Sunday night features a swimmer bell earned by yours truly. Everyone is in between swims...mind as well be in good company!
Why are you paddling in a sewage?
It just tastes so good!
Swimming isn't failure.
Well, yes and no. It is all part of it. I dont think folks should beat themselves up or feel shame from a swim(s). A lot of folks pin too much importance on their swims early on and get super frustrated. None of us want to swim out of a kayak and hopefully our swims become fewer and fewer as our skill progress BUT, everyone swims from time to time. On the other hand, there is no getting around the fact that a swim is a last resort to survive once all of our kayaking skills and abilities (at least perceived in the moment) have proven inadequate. So in that sense, the swim is in fact a failure of the ability to continue down the river in the kayak. So, I see it as a yes and no here. The swimmer bells in my vids are to highlight the fact that all of us are swimmers from time to time and we are all in good company on the swim team...while at the same time trying to encourage all ww paddlers to strengthen their roll to the point where the swims stop being a regular occurrence. It is just more fun that way!
👋😎👍
Catching those Eddie’s in Gabriel’s bend is no joke. I usually fly through there super fast without even trying to catch an eddy. It’s a big thrill.
for sure Zachariah! It is a great little stretch of river!!